1951 Austin A 40 vs. 1998 Volkswagen Parati
To start off, 1998 Volkswagen Parati is newer by 47 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1951 Austin A 40. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1951 Austin A 40 would be higher. At 1,781 cc (4 cylinders), 1998 Volkswagen Parati is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Volkswagen Parati (90 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 1951 Austin A 40. (38 HP @ 4300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1998 Volkswagen Parati should accelerate faster than 1951 Austin A 40. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Volkswagen Parati weights approximately 5 kg more than 1951 Austin A 40. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1951 Austin A 40 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1951 Austin A 40. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 Volkswagen Parati, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1998 Volkswagen Parati (148 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 68 more torque (in Nm) than 1951 Austin A 40. (80 Nm @ 2300 RPM). This means 1998 Volkswagen Parati will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1951 Austin A 40.
Compare all specifications:
| 1951 Austin A 40 | 1998 Volkswagen Parati | |
| Make | Austin | Volkswagen |
| Model | A 40 | Parati |
| Year Released | 1951 | 1998 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1200 cc | 1781 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 38 HP | 90 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4300 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 80 Nm | 148 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2300 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 975 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3890 mm | 4090 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1560 mm | 1650 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1620 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2360 mm | 2480 mm |
